Lions newest DE Darryl Tapp says Detroit a good fit

Washington Redskins linebacker Darryl Tapp (54) reacts after a play against the Buffalo Bills in the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

ALLEN PARK >> Darryl Tapp, the free agent defensive end signed by the Lions, is more familiar with the new coaching staff than his new teammates.

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was the secondary coach in Seattle when Tapp was drafted in 2006.

Defensive line assistant Jim Washburn and Tapp were together for two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles when Washburn coached the defensive line. Actually Tapp and Washburn got to know each other years ago.

“Coach Washburn is an awesome individual, an awesome D-line coach,’’ Tapp said in a conference call on Friday. “Our relationship started at the Senior Bowl, coach Washburn was with the Titans his staff coached the North. He got his hands on me, it was my first introduction to the NFL. The way he coached me up and the way he brought me up to speed the way they do things in the NFL.

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“In Philadelphia he had me again and I’ve been trying to get with that guy for the last five years,’’ Tapp said. “At that time when I was in Philadelphia, he pulled us all together as a unit, he had us all going in the right direction, playing with the same intensity and fire each and every play, each game. It’s going to be a good fit.’’

Tapp said the Lions 4-3 defense fits his skills. He was with the Redskins last season — the first he had played outside linebacker. He signed a one-year deal worth a veteran minimum $925,000.

“It was cool, but I think I’m a defensive end at heart,’’ the 29-year-old Tapp said. “That’s what I played in high school, college and my first seven years in the league.’’

It’s been years since he was on the same team with Austin, but he remembers him well.

“I trust coach Austin. He may be a new coordinator to you guys but he’s always been a visionary, an innovator, even being a D-back coach,’’ Tapp said. “I’m pretty sure he’s going to come up with some blitzes and different situations outside the box, to throw a curveball at each offense that we face this year.’’

While Ezekiel Ansah and Jason Jones are expected to start at defensive end, Tapp and Devin Taylor will back them up.

“I like what’s going on, I liked what they told me about the defense and where they’re trying to go as an entire unit,’’ Tapp said. “The rest of the guys we already have on the D-line, we can be a powerful force.’’

Tapp is also expected to contribute on special teams. In the past he’s played on the kickoff return unit and punt teams.

“Whatever I need to do to be successful I’m all about it,’’ Tapp said. “I’ll even get the Gatorade if I need to.’’

About the Author

Paula Pasche is a longtime sports writer for The Oakland Press and blogs at http://oplions.blogspot.com/. Author of book, "100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die." Follow on Tout and Twitter @paulapasche. Reach the author at paula.pasche@oakpress.com
or follow Paula on Twitter: @PaulaPasche.